Kiwanis of Carefree

For just under four decades, Kiwanis Club of Carefree has been serving children, young adults and those in need. Beginning December 1, the community will have a new opportunity to give – and receive – with the opening of Kiwanis of Carefree Marketplace.

Those blessed with a strong “shopping gene” can browse the aisles for bargains and unique finds, including new and used women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, accessories, jewelry, home furnishings, office Items, artwork and collectibles every Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon, and Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Kiwanis of Carefree Marketplace is a special treat for those who have enjoyed the popular Kiwanis Club flea markets, held seven times a year at its warehouse location. “This is all the good stuff, what the flea market committee has deemed too precious or easily damaged to store in our warehouse for months prior to our flea market,” said Kiwanis Club president Toby Payne.

There is plenty of great merchandise to get excited about. “Unique items include a large rustic pine bedroom set, a round custom copper table with Western cutouts, three very gently used sofas, two large executive desks in excellent condition, and lots of clothing, shoes, accessories, plus a fun “two-for-a-dollar” rack,” said Phylliss Henry, Kiwanis Club of Carefree Marketplace committee member.

Your purchases make a difference. Kiwanis of Carefree began in 1973 with 55 members and has now grown to be the fourth largest Kiwanis Club in the world with more than 200 members. Some of its achievements and programs include:

Scholarships

In 2013, Kiwanis of Carefree will offer the following scholarships or merit award opportunities: two 4-year college scholarships for $2,000 per semester up to eight semesters (total $16,000); two 2-year community college or vocation scholarships for $1,000 per semester up to four semesters (total $4,000); one 1-time Math Merit Award of $1,000; one 1-time Science Merit Award of $1,000; one 1-time Bruce Hilsee Scholarship of $2,500 for International Relations; and one 1-time Key Club Community Service Award (open to Kiwanis Key Club members only).

Key Clubs

Kiwanis of Carefree sponsors two Key Clubs for high school students, one at Desert Foothills High School and the other at Notre Dame High School. Each club elects officers to lead them in decisions about community projects to undertake and fundraising. Key Clubs are an important way for high school students to learn communication, organization and public service skills.

The Eliminate Project

Kiwanis International and UNICEF have joined forces to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus with the Eliminate Project. Nearly 60,000 babies die from this painful, deadly disease each year, as well as a significant number of women. Through the Eliminate Project, more than 100 million mothers and their future babies will be immunized.

Science Fairs

More than 3,000 students from kindergarten through high school are involved in Kiwanis-sponsored science fairs in a dozen local schools. Finalists participate in a community science fair, with winners of that going on to the Arizona State Science Fair and earning an opportunity to possibly compete at the national Intel Science Fair. Kiwanis of Carefree has supplied funds to create a science lab in a local public elementary school, and are now starting on a second science lab in another school.

Aktion Club

The Kiwanis Aktion Club is the only community service organization designed specifically for special needs young adults, ages 18 years and over. Aktion Club members work together to take on special projects supported by Kiwanis. These youth not only receive special support that they usually do not get later in life, but also gain self-respect and a feeling of self-worth through their service projects.

Autistic Children

During the past three years, Kiwanis of Carefree has conducted an experimental program for autistic students. They introduced an anti-bullying program (FRIENDS), bought iPads for the students and developed a “boot camp” to prepare graduating students for general employment by learning skills such as interviewing techniques.

Terrific Kids Program

Every year in local elementary schools, teachers select “Terrific Kids” who have demonstrated particular character and accomplishment. Kiwanis presents a certificate and small bag of presents to each Terrific Kid, and photographs him or her for display in the school gallery.

Loan Closet

For those times in life when an accident or illness can leave us temporarily disabled, it’s nice to know that the Kiwanis Club can help with the free lending of home health aides, such as walkers, wheelchairs, shower seats, and more. They are available at the flea market building, just southwest of the intersection of Tom Darlington Rd. and Cave Creek Rd. Hours are Wednesdays, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The Kiwanis Club has also partnered in programs with Foothills Food Bank, Foothills Community Foundation, Cave Creek Museum, Salvation Army and Soroptimists for community projects.

Desert Foothills Christmas Pageant

In 1952, the local 4-H Club in Cave Creek presented the first Desert Foothills Christmas Pageant as a re-enactment of the Christmas story showcasing the 4-H Club members’ animals. The Kiwanis reinvigorated the pageant and the event is now a popular community tradition, drawing hundreds together under the stars the first weekend of December at the entrance to Spur Cross Ranch.

Kiwanis Flea Market

Kiwanis Flea Market will also be open December 1, 8 a.m. to noon. Making room in your closet for new items by donating the old items to the Kiwanis Marketplace or its flea market is also a good way to help your community. Kiwanis Club of Carefree is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations are tax-deductible. All proceeds from its sales go to benefit its many wonderful programs.

Items can be dropped off at the Flea Market building, located near the SW corner of Tom Darlington and Cave Creek Roads, next to the water company. Kiwanis Flea Market accepts gently used items from every room of your home including the workshop, exercise room, yard and patio. In addition, they look for TVs and computers (which are tested before placing them for sale), hardware, toys, sporting goods, clothing, costume jewelry, furniture, books and decorative items. They do not accept hazardous waste or mattresses.

The Flea Market is open 52 weeks a year for donations. Items can be dropped off at the flea market building Wednesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

In addition to December 1, future flea market dates are January 26, March 16, May 4, June 22, August 17 and October 12. Rain dates are the following Saturday.

As large as Kiwanis of Carefree is, they can always use new service-minded members. They meet every Wednesday at Harold’s Corral restaurant on Cave Creek Road in Cave Creek at noon to have lunch and see a presentation.